Pope Upset Over Israel's Role In Jerusalem Dispute

April 30, 1990|By New York Times

ROME — In an implied criticism of Israeli policies, Pope John Paul II expressed ''profound concern'' Sunday over the recent attempt to create a Jewish settlement in the Christian quarter of the Old City of Jerusalem.

The pope also implied that Israel needed to be more sensitive in this matter, pointing out that Jerusalem was sacred to three major religions - Judaism, Christianity and Islam - and that their rights should be respected.

''The grave incidents that have occurred recently in the Holy City and that led to the sorrowful decision to close holy places temporarily . . . are a cause also for me of suf-fering and profound concern,'' he said. ''Let us pray that everyone will have at heart the search for solutions inspired by justice and respect for rights.''

With his appeal, the pope publicly entered the dispute that erupted this month when 150 Jewish settlers occupied a four-building complex that is owned by the Greek Orthodox Church.

The Israeli government, after earlier denials, acknowledged that it had contributed $1.8 million to help establish the set-tlement, a disclosure that has touched off strong criticism both in Israel and abroad.

On Friday Christian leaders added their protests by closing churches and shrines throughout Israel and the occupied territories for the day, including the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, where Jesus is said to have been entombed after the Crucifixion.

The Israeli Supreme Court has given the settlers until Tuesday to leave the site.